Former Premier League forwards Darren Bent and Charlie Austin believe Liverpool should target Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo has been in outstanding form for Bournemouth this season, and Liverpool are being urged to act quickly in January to secure what some consider Mohamed Salah’s long-term successor. According to Bent, signing the Ghanaian attacker would give Liverpool a player as “unstoppable” as Gareth Bale once was.
The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League so far, scoring six goals and providing three assists in just 11 matches. His impressive performances have sparked interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
Those rumours intensified this week after The Athletic revealed that Semenyo’s new Bournemouth contract—signed in July—includes a £65m release clause that becomes active in the January transfer window.
Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, insisted that Liverpool should not hesitate:
“He’s burst out of the blocks this season. Every match he does something that makes you go, ‘Wow’. He’s one of those players I describe as unstoppable. Gareth Bale had that quality—and Semenyo is the same. Once he starts moving, you can’t stop him. He goes past opponents effortlessly and he can attack on either side. He’s the full package.”
Bent added that Liverpool must start preparing for a future beyond Salah:
“For years Salah has carried that right side, and he’s been one of the best to ever play in this country. But maybe he’s slowing down slightly, and Liverpool need to start planning for what comes next.”
Semenyo scored twice at Anfield on the opening weekend of the season in Bournemouth’s 4–2 defeat—one of the moments that highlighted his threat. Meanwhile, Salah has managed just four league goals so far, which is below his usual level, though he did score in consecutive matches before Liverpool’s 3–0 loss to Manchester City.
Charlie Austin has also praised Semenyo, arguing that his £65m clause represents excellent value. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Southampton striker and Liverpool supporter said:
“It sounds crazy to say, but in today’s market £65m is cheap. Look at the goal he scored against Liverpool and the overall performance that day. He’s top quality.”
